International Consultant for Inclusive Education Programmatic Framework

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of education for every child.

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will provide technical expertise to develop, pilot, and refine the Inclusive Education Programmatic Framework (IEPF) for preschools in Uzbekistan. This role involves supporting the establishment of pilot inclusive preschools, testing and refining the IEPF, and generating evidence to inform scale-up and integration into national policy and professional development systems. The consultant will work closely with established teams of experts and consultants already engaged in inclusive education for general secondary education and will focus on three key dimensions of equitable education systems: Access, Participation, and Achievement. The consultant will also be responsible for developing practical tools and guidelines to support individualized planning and reasonable accommodation within inclusive settings, ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities and from marginalized backgrounds, can access high-quality preschool learning opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and finalize the Inclusive Education Programmatic Framework (IEPF) for preschools, ensuring alignment with national frameworks and international best practices.
• Support co-design, validation, and endorsement of the IEPF through stakeholder consultations.
• Conduct baseline needs assessments for selected pilot preschools and develop action plans for implementation.
• Establish and operationalize Preschool Inclusion Teams (PITs) in pilot preschools.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Preschool Improvement Plans.
• Design and deliver a comprehensive capacity-building program for preschool staff.
• Revise and refine the IEPF based on pilot results and prepare technical reports and policy briefs.
• Provide ongoing technical guidance and consultation to UNICEF and national institutions to ensure quality and sustainability.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education, Early Childhood Development, Inclusive Education, Special Education, or a related field. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in education is required, with substantial expertise in preschool/early childhood development and inclusive education. The candidate should have at least 10 years of demonstrated experience in inclusive education, system-wide education reforms, and large-scale teacher training initiatives, preferably in low- and middle-income contexts. Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical guidance for practitioners.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Education, Early Childhood Development, Inclusive Education, Special Education, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of inclusive education and early childhood development, as well as for developing effective frameworks and programs that cater to diverse learning needs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in education, with a focus on preschool and early childhood development. Candidates should have substantial expertise in inclusive education and teacher professional development systems, with at least 10 years of demonstrated experience in inclusive education, system-wide education reforms, and large-scale teacher training initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income country contexts. A solid track record in developing institutional frameworks, standards, and tools to strengthen inclusive education at preschool or school levels is also necessary.

Languages:
Excellent command of written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Russian would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners in Uzbekistan.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based with travel required for at least 5 missions to Uzbekistan. Each mission will involve local travel to selected regions for modeling inclusive preschools. The total duration of the consultancy is estimated at 130 working days, with payment based on the submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment if the deliverables do not meet the required standards or if there are delays in submission. The final rate will follow the 'best value for money' principle, ensuring the desired outcomes are achieved at the lowest possible fee.